Jazz Journal Review

Das britische Jazz Journal gab uns eine ★★★★ Rezension. Vielen Dank

Some records grab you by the ears from the first listening while others get a grip that tightens with every play. Alain Brenzikofer’s Rouge Foncé (or Deep Red) is in the latter category. His Anglo-Swiss sextet play smouldering groove-based music with beguiling modal harmonies that suggest a soundtrack to a late-night drive around a modern European city. I like it more every time I play it, as the snaky melodic hooks of the original compositions insinuate themselves, moved in and out of focus by successive soloists. Up front, Brenzikofer’s tenor sound has a mellow but mellifluous tone; but he’s the sort of leader that doesn’t mind sitting out as other soloists ease into play. Title track Rouge Foncé has the bass bumping up against the horns, the piece eventually arriving at a supper-club sound that’s warmed by Will Powell’s guitar lines. Ginger Juice is a more peppery piece featuring Weiss’s sinuous trombone and Matt Jenkins’ piano bluesing it up before handing on to Brenzikofer. A Dancer’s Life is different again, a collage of Big Easy funk, Knitting Factory nuttiness and Latin heat all pinned down by drummer Mike Roy’s strident rhythm. The clue’s in the title with Phonk Yo Phat, a gangsterish groover that recalls a Bill Laswell production, with Jenkins switching to Rhodes piano and Powell prowling the perimeter of the arrangement. Excuse me while put this disc on repeat.